US and Iran appear to pause strikes, with mediators making progress on talks to end Strait of Hormuz standoff

Mediators, led by Qatar and Pakistan, have made significant progress in bringing the United States and Iran back to negotiations to restore an interim ceasefire deal that collapsed earlier in July. Discussions with Oman are also ongoing, focused on establishing mechanisms for maritime traffic in the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil shipments. This development follows a period of traded fire between the two nations.